Greg Lenz

 Greg Lenz, 61, a Super-Hero to all who knew him for his amazing love of life, who battled the past two years with pancreatic cancer, died, at home, his wife at his side, on Saturday, July 27^th.

He was born on June 9, 1952, in Honolulu, Hawaii, to Floyd and Colleen Lenz. He graduated from Cassville High School and WI School of Electronics. He was first employed at Utah Electronics in Guttenburg, Iowa, a year later proceeded on to WKBT, LaCrosse, as a radio engineer. In 1973 he started work at Dairyland Power where he worked for 40 years as a Communications Technician, he retired June 10^th 2013.

Music was a big part of his life. Before he completed high school, he helped form The Mississippi Mud Band which has led to his recent band, Shake, Rattle, and Roll. They often performed at area fundraising functions as well as locations throughout the  Midwest. One of his greatest joys was to have his granddaughter, Makenzie, singing and playing at his side. Over the years, he was found playing in the band at high school productions, and even in his last days, he was encouraging young people to pursue musical careers.

His love of cars led to many swap meets & car shows, a used car business, and several restored cars---his favorite one a 1967 Chevy Camaro convertible.

He also loved the Mississippi and all sports related to it, boating, water-skiing, and fishing. Winter months found him deer hunting and snowmobiling at his northern WI cabin with friends and family.

For the past 15 years, Barb and Greg have raised over a half million dollars for the MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Association through a community auction and participation in the Best Dam Bike Ride for MS.

In his spare time, he managed to build four houses, including foundations, plumbing, electricity, hand-made cabinetry and wood work. He was a man of many talents that he often shared with friends.

Despite his many interests, his greatest love was family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, and brother. The Dietrich family had become as close to him as his own family. And, due to his involvement in varied activities, he has accumulated several honorary adopted children.

Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Barbara; his children, Josh Lenz; Elizabeth (Brad) Wiest; his granddaughter, Makenzie Wiest; his mother, Colleen Lenz; two sisters, Barbara (Mitch) Reynolds and Vickie (Tom) Vail; two uncles, Harold (Joanne) Lenz and Gene (Carolyn) Lenz; two aunts, Evelyn (Pete) Montoya and Dorothy Browning; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.  

A celebration of life was held at the Martin Funeral Home, Cassville, on Friday, August 2, 2013. Family greeted friends from 11:00 AM until the service at 4:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or the MS Society.